Ashgabat 2017 UDAC Opens with Official Walkabout

Ashgabat 2017 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games reached another milestone when the Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre officially opened its doors.

The Chairman of the 5th AIMAG Executive Committee, Dayanch Gulgeldiyev, and the CEO of Ashgabat 2017, James Bulley, were invited to do an official walk-through of the facility, located within the Ashgabat Olympic Complex.

At the centre, known as UDAC, 35,000 people will receive their Games-time accreditation and uniforms.

Speaking to those in attendance, after walking through the UDAC, Mr. Gulgeldiyev said he was pleased that the procedure was so smooth.

"I would like to thank all of you and congratulate on the opening of the UDAC. This is an important milestone for us which really shows how close we are to the Games kicking off," he said. "Our esteemed President has received his accreditation last week and we are now ready to start full distribution to all staff, volunteers and contractors."

James Bulley was full of praise when it came to the operational side of things at the centre.

"I have been to six Olympic Games' Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centres where I have received my uniform," he said. "I think that this is the best one I have ever been to which is a credit to you all"

A handful of the 8,000 First Stars, the Ashgabat 2017 volunteers, had already received their accreditations and uniforms when Mr. Gulgeldiyev arrived, and had already sat down at their positions behind the Check In desk and in the Validation Room to help others as they arrived to get their required gear.

With numerous stops along the way, green, yellow or red lines on the floor lead Games-time staff through the various steps of the exciting process, which marks the proximity of the much anticipated Ashgabat 2017 kick off. Stops include Accreditation Photo Capture Area, Accreditation Card Production, Uniform Pick Up, fitting room and a Help Office.

First Star Meylis Saparov, A UDAC team leader, was grinning ear to ear as he picked up his uniform which consisted of three short-sleeve polo shirts, two pairs of cargo-style trousers, a casual jacket, a baseball cap and a waist bag.

Meylis said he was honoured to be one of the first volunteers to wear the Games-time uniform in a working capacity. "I really like this uniform," he said. "For me, this is one of the biggest days of our Ashgabat 2017 journey. Today is when Games-time starts for us."

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